Hooters revamps look, aims to be family-friendly

LOS ANGELES - Hooters is remodeling one of its stores in Houston with hopes that the design will serve as a prototype for future locations.

The Atlanta-based company is notorious for using bosomy young women in tank tops and skin-tight orange shorts as servers. There are 435 Hooters in 44 states and 28 foreign countries.

The new look involves "sleek and contemporary finishes" such as a high ceiling, painted ductwork, bright cypress wood walls and light-colored brick, the company said. There will also be new booth seating and high-back chairs "with an enhanced seat size and added padding."

The hope, according to Hooters Chief Marketing Officer Dave Henniger, is that customers view the revamped store as "the ideal environment to kick back and relax after work, get together to watch their favorite sports team and enjoy a delicious meal with their family."